Erin Thompson, Marketing Manager:   As October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month came to a close, antismoking groups registered their protests at Philip Morris USA’s plan to launch the new pink “purse packs” of Virginia Slim “Super Slim” cigarettes. Part of the outrage, according to protestors, is the timing of Philip Morris's announcement. Pink abounds in October in support and memory of those who have battled breast cancer.  It's insulting that anyone--even Big Tobacco--would thin... [More]

Kristine Carabeo, Quit Coach, Service Delivery:   When talking with people who are trying to quit smoking, I often hear someone say that they are happy that they have “cut back” on their smoking. And cutting back on how many cigarettes you smoke each day is definitely a great thing to do. It certainly helps people to feel more prepared on their quit dates. But what if they mean they have cut back on their nicotine by smoking “light” cigarettes instead of regular cigarettes? Is this just... [More]

Nari Benson, Recruitment Manager, Marketing   On August 3, the New York Times posted a story in which Katherine Dozier, 24, said she started smoking regularly about a year ago, when a Hollywood club passed out Camel No. 9 menthols as a promotion. She was struck by the 'cute' black-and-turquoise box with a pink camel. Ever since Susan G Komen started the pink ribbon campaign for breast cancer awareness it seems that marketers have realized all you need to do is make something pink ... [More]